Amidst pressure on the UK Government to find a solution to the high levels of unemployment, the tightening of visa rules for workers outside of the EU is threatening many New Zealanders’ rights to stay in Britain long-term.

Up until now, New Zealanders working in the UK have been able to apply for “settlement” after five years, allowing them to confidently settle into careers, marry and have children. Continue Reading

For more than 45 years, Australian higher education institutions have accepted TOEFL scores for admissions. Now Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen has announced that from 1 July student visa applicants will be able to use the US-based TOEFL test as proof of their English language proficiency. Continue Reading

As part of the plan to alleviate the skills shortage in regional Australia, particularly in the booming mining industry, immigration minister Chris Bowen recently announced major changes to the visa programme. These changes include increasing the number of skilled migrant places for the 2011/12 Migration Programme to 185 000, as well as increasing the number of family visas.

For the first time, the Australian government is also actively encouraging skilled workers from outside Australia to apply for temporary visas and work in rural areas. These regional visas will be processed as a priority over others and the lure is that it will eventually be easier for these workers to gain permanent residency.

To qualify under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, interested overseas workers will need to prove their trade skills or in-demand professional qualifications, as well as competency in English.

The government also announced the introduction of special migration agreements for big resource projects, where the permanent residency process will be sped up for overseas workers who stay in a regional area on a 457 visa for two years, and whose employer can guarantee another two years’ work.

To find out more about Australian visas or start your application process, visit www.1stcontactvisas.com.

So you’re thinking about moving from the UK to Australia? Immigration websites and forums are always full of questions and conversations about this very move and the consensus seems to be that the grass is indeed greener on the Other Side.

In this article we look at what exactly attracts UK families in particular to the land down under, as well as the steps to take if you’re considering the move. Continue Reading

We’ve looked at Australia’s quirkiness and some amazing facts about South Africa… This month, we turn our attention to New Zealand, with the Top 20 Interesting facts about this nation. Continue Reading

Prior to the UK election results, the Conservatives leader, David Cameron, and Liberal Democrats leader, Nick Clegg, clashed over their intended Immigration policies. Continue Reading

If you’re seriously considering moving to Australia, look at the list below to see if you have what it takes to have a lucrative career and enjoy a fruitful and fulfilling life in this country. Continue Reading

According to expert immigration group 1^st Contact, recent changes to Australia’s immigration policy presents good news to both current domestic workers as well as to hopeful migrants seeking to relocate to Australian shores. Continue Reading

New laws in Australia have granted legal recognition to the union of same-sex couples. The country now joins a host of countries around the world which allow the benefits of relationships once the preserve of heterosexual couples.

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Traditionally the 1st of July has always seen major changes to Australian migration policy and this year was no exception, with over 15 legislative changes having come into effect on the 1st July 2009. The changes vary from the standard adjustments made to fees and application forms, that tend to take place every year, to more technical changes that represented over 60 amendments to different schedules within the regulation of Australian migration law. Continue Reading

Australia may not be considered a prime destination for working, but the opportunities on offer make a compelling case when considering the country as an employment destination. Even though the Australian Federal government cut its skilled migrant program by 14% in response to worsening economic conditions, the number of working holiday visas is rising rapidly, contrary to expectations. Continue Reading

Recent media reports have created the impression that Australia is no longer welcoming skilled migrants. But it’s an impression, expert immigration firm, 1st Contact says is inaccurate. The international firm says amendments to Australian migration policy centre on changes in the categories that administer migration and do not signal any end to it. Continue Reading

The recent and sudden economic turmoil that has engulfed the UK’s financial markets has seen young British citizens and graduates; together with other foreign nationals migrate to the some what safer shores surrounding a more robust Australian economy. Continue Reading